Head of Business Assurance & Risk

SF Group are working with a large distributor of electrical products in the Midlands area to source a Head of Business Assurance & Risk.

The purpose of the role is as follows:

• Develop a high performing Business Assurance and Risk function that partners with colleagues across the branch network. This will involve working with all areas of the organisation to co-ordinate & assist in continuous process enhancement for the benefit of branches and customers
• Be responsible for leading and managing the Business Assurance and Risk function, directing and coordinating assurance, risk and internal audit management policies, programmes and initiatives to ensure effective risk management and assurance reporting across the organisation
• Operate as a specialist member of the UK Finance team significantly contributing to the Function mission and strategy and providing assurance to the executive management team on the effectiveness of internal controls over all aspects of operations

Key accountabilities are as follows:

• Develop and implement a Business Assurance and Risk service proposition, mentoring the team members on best practice
• Manage the organisation's assurance and risk management policies, programmes, policies and initiatives in compliance with applicable statutes, regulations and other guidance
• Deliver an enhanced risk management process that is both top-down and bottom-up that emphasises mitigation activities and brings risk awareness to life across the business
• Create a clear link and association between risk, internal audit and security activities
• Work with peers as required ensuring delivery of key Finance priorities
• Coordinates matters for the Risk Committee
• Direct and coordinates risk management activities, including training and support, across the organisation to ensure a consistent approach and process
• Assess governance at all levels within the organisation with respect to effective management of controls, making recommendations for adjustments based on control and assurance framework performance
• Provide advice on the regularity and propriety of operations throughout the organisation

Essential experience required is as follows:

• Strong operational experience - preferably in a large trading, multi-site environment
• Evidence of change management and inspirational team leadership
• Demonstrable management and people skills
• Experience in successfully managing processes through a sustained period of change
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to produce and present information in a simple and understandable manner
• Ability to show experience that has developed business acumen, practical business/customer approach and understanding of how the business makes decisions at all levels
• Must show that they can understand business strategy, think long-term and provide insight and analysis into business performance in order to support effective finance function development
• Evidence of a proactive approach with senior stakeholders and provide clear and appropriate communication suitable for the audience and situation
• Needs collaborative approach combined with the ability to influence and drive the agenda of others
• Able to connect with, support and challenge the business adopting a consultative approach
• Able to balance strategic activity with stewardship and control

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate within a growing business.